John,

Can you definitely document the 10th Virginia state flag being used in all of these battles? I ask as we all know that the Army of Northern Virginia standardized their battle flags starting in November 1861 with the Southern Cross flags. While it took time for these flags to permeate that army the whole point was to have one battle flag used in combat that everyone knew and one that was different from US flags (as the First National resembled at a distance on smoke filled fields).

I know some VA state flags were captured around Petersburg in 1864-1865 but those got used due to the unit's Richmond Depot battle flags (Southern Cross) being too shot up or already captured and not replaced for whatever reason.

The 10th Virginia was part of Ed Johnson's Division for the Gettysburg Campaign and due to a wool bunting shortage at the Richmond Depot they did not get new ANV flags before that campaign. I do not have them using a VA state flag in that battle. They did get a new ANV flag in August 1863 complete with gold painted unit designation above and below the center star and battle honors in dark blue paint through Gettysburg. That flag used to be displayed at John Bracken's museum in New Market.

I would love to see what sources you have for their state flag being used for most of the war for it would indeed be a great exception instead of the rule. Thanks for your post too.

Greg Biggs